Drivers of and Barriers to Behavioural Change to Support Public Health and Social Wellbeing in Mbire District, Zimbabwe

Davison Munodawafa (), Pepukai Manjeru and Lioyd Goronga
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Davison Munodawafa: Department of Community Medicine, Midlands State University, Gweru P. Bag 9055, Zimbabwe
Pepukai Manjeru: Department of Crop Sciences, Midlands State University, Gweru P. Bag 9055, Zimbabwe
Lioyd Goronga: Department of Statistics and Operations Research, National University of Science and Technology, Ascot, Bulawayo P.O. Box AC 939, Zimbabwe

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 9, 1-17

Abstract: Foundational behaviours across health, education, sanitation, and energy use remain suboptimal in Mbire District, Zimbabwe. This qualitative formative study examined drivers of and barriers to five priority behaviours: birth notification and registration (BNR), exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), early childhood development education (ECDE), open-defecation-free (ODF) practices, and efficient use of energy (EUE). Between 15 January and 30 March 2023, we conducted 15 focus group discussions ( n = 180 participants) and 20 key informant interviews ( n = 20 participants). Data were thematically analysed in QDA Miner 6 ( Cohen’s κ = 0.82). Drivers of positive behaviours included leadership support, peer networks, and radio/village meetings, while barriers included bureaucratic requirements, cultural norms, and financial constraints. We recommend a multi-sectoral Social and Behavioural Change (SBC) approach integrating community events, subsidies, and culturally sensitive communication. These findings provide actionable evidence to inform district-level programming and contribute to achieving Zimbabwe’s national development targets and relevant Sustainable Development Goals.

Keywords: birth registration; exclusive breastfeeding; early childhood development education; open defecation; energy efficiency; social norms; behavioural science; Zimbabwe (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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